The Best Backpacker Hostels in Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi is a district and an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea some 30 km off the mainland
Langkawi is a district and an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea some 30 km off the mainland | © Nalidsa / Alamy
Lu Yin Wai

Langkawi is popular among island lovers and adventurers who come to have an enjoyable holiday getaway and challenge themselves to take part in adrenaline-inducing activities. Here are the best backpacker hostels in Langkawi to stay in if you are looking for an adventure but also keen on spending your travel budget wisely.

1. Tubotel Restaurant, Langkawi

Boutique Hotel, Lodge

Round huts at Tubotel Restaurant right next to the ocean at sunset
Courtesy of Tubotel Langkawi / Expedia

Inspired by Austrian Dasparkhotel, this unique concept hotel features concrete tubes with a minimalist approach. These colourful capsules provide a relaxing space and invite you to mesmerise at the Langkawi’s sea and sunset views. All rooms include a fully dressed king-size bed, ample space for storage beneath the bed, light, sockets, and fans. Fill up your ‘me-time’ by lying on the day-bed and chilling out at the bar, café, or Lepak Lounge. Take part in island tours, cruises, and jungle trekking to explore the wonders of the tropical Langkawi Island.

2. Sweet Monkey Backpacker Hostel

Hostel

Dormitories with green and blue walls and black wire bunkbeds in Sweet Monkey Backpacker Hostel
© Sweet Monkey Backpacker Hostel
The Sweet Monkey Backpacker Hostel is situated along Cenang Beach, one of the most popular tourist spots in Langkawi. It is a short walk to savour the local delicacies, and partake in recreational activities at the beach. You can also shop and enjoy the nightlife with your friends. The hostel’s wall is painted with Malay and Reggae themes to welcome fellow travellers. Both male and female dormitories are air-conditioned along with personal bedding sets, reading lights, and power sockets. It also has shared bathrooms with hot shower, shower gels, and fresh towels.

3. Langkawi Dormitorio

Hostel, Hotel, Guesthouse

Cenang Beach with people sunbathing in the palm trees and inflatable slides in the turquoise waters
© Andy Selinger / Alamy
Langkawi Dormitorio is situated at the heart of Cenang Beach. It is convenient for guests as it’s only a short distance from bars, restaurants, and shops. The hostel is designed with sturdy custom-made beds that have personal reading lights and high quality beddings and mattresses. They have three rooms – an 8-bed, 6-bed, and a double – that include good storage space, air-conditioning, own shower room with separate toilet, and free WiFi. Don’t need to worry about safety as this hostel has secure locks at the entrance and rooms. Staff will assist you with booking recreational beach activities, jungle and mangrove trips, as well as private island tours.

4. Boxpackers Langkawi

Hostel

The hammock in a courtyard outside Boxpackers Langkawi with a mural featuring racoons
Courtesy of Boxpackers Langkawi / Booking.com
Boxpackers Langkawi is one of the recommended hostels to stay near Cenang Beach. The rooms provided are basic with clean mattresses and in-room facilities. What makes this hostel special is their great hospitality. The host will be there to help with suggesting great places to eat. He might also drive you to the recommended spots to explore in Langkawi. He can also make arrangements for your chosen guided tours. Relax by the hammock and read a book during rainy days. Watch your favourite classics during movie nights at the courtyard, and rent the bikes to cycle around the island.

5. Barkat Chalets

Hostel

Nasi Lemak, Malaysian Savory Rice Dish with Fried Chicken, Egg, Peanuts, Anchovies, and Chili Paste
© Ariyani Tedjo / Alamy

Barkat Chalets is an ideal spot to connect with nature and explore the beautiful Dayang Bunting Island. Enjoy your quiet time by soaking in the panoramic sun and tranquil sea views. Go kayaking and motorbiking, or explore the island’s jungle and rubber plantations. Try fishing trips or relax by the beach as well. The chalet serves affordable Malaysian food, vegetarian, and vegan meals. Make yourself at home with free water, coffee, and tea at the dining hut. You need to buy your own alcoholic beverages in Langkawi before arriving.

6. The Village Langkawi

Homestay, Hostel

Palm trees in lawn by The Village Langkawi
Courtesy of The Village Langkawi / Expedia

This lovely hostel is nestled between rice paddy fields and a coconut orchard. The villas are surrounded by tropical gardens. The rooms are furnished with a resting area and basic amenities. Right in the centre of Cenang Beach, it is a short walking distance to restaurants with different cuisines, recreational activities, boutique shops and many more. It takes seven minutes to reach Cenang Beach, the longest beach in Langkawi. You can rent scooters and tour vans to explore the island.

7. EL Studio Hostel Langkawi, Kuah

Hostel, Hotel

Wooden bunkbeds in a light and airy room in EL Studio Hostel Langkawi, Kuah
Courtesy of EL Studio Hostel Langkawi, Kuah / Expedia
This dormitory-style hostel is situated just a five-minute walk from Kuah Town Centre. It has six bunks (12 beds in total). All rooms are air-conditioned. You will receive a bed sheet and towel upon check-in. Their shared facilities include a small pantry with fridge and basic tableware. WiFi is available for Internet access. The hostel offers tour information about Langkawi. It is also convenient for travellers to walk to nearby shops for necessities such as food and laundry. It is a great place to stay away from the crowded areas but there may be noise from the nearby local night market.

8. Bunk Inn at SHAKA Langkawi

Inn, Hostel

Chopped palm trees stumps on Tengah Beach with turquoise waters in the distance
© John Green / Alamy

This basic dorm hostel exudes a laid-back island lifestyle. Unwind from your backpacking travels in Langkawi and Southeast Asia by laying on cosy and comfortable beds. This hostel has two units of four-bed dorm rooms. There, you can meet new friends in the garden, indoor communal area, and outdoor communal area. Be amazed by Langkawi’s surfing culture at the Kawifornia surfing concept store. Have scrumptious meals at the Barrel Backyard BBQ. Chill out at Tengah Beach, which is a five-minute walk from the hostel.

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